The University of Twente has received €13.6 million in funding from the 2024 NWA ORC program to lead two research projects focused on sustainable additive manufacturing and artificial intelligence. The Dutch university will head initiatives exploring 3D printing applications for circular economy practices and developing more transparent AI systems.
The Add-reAM project, led by Prof. Dr. Ian Gibson from the Faculty of Engineering Technology, aims to use additive manufacturing to repair and remanufacture industrial components. The research will focus on extending component lifecycles through in-field refurbishment processes. The project involves collaboration between researchers, industry partners, and municipalities to develop scalable workflows that could reduce waste and emissions.
The second flagship project, DECIDE, is headed by Prof. Dr. Mieke Boon from the Faculty of Behavioral, Management and Social Sciences. This initiative seeks to create AI systems that can explain their decision-making processes to users. The project draws on expertise from multiple disciplines including computer science, philosophy, ethics, psychology, law, public administration, and business, with direct citizen involvement planned.
The University of Twente will also participate as a consortium partner in four additional projects. These include JUST ART, which involves collaboration with artists on climate-justice initiatives, and NanoMedNL, focused on nanomedicine development platforms. The other two projects are STRONGER2GETHER, targeting adolescent mental well-being through social support networks, and BIO-COMPaSS, which explores personalized biological-age feedback for healthier lifestyles.
The funding comes through the ORC program line of the Dutch Research Agenda (NWA). This program brings together scientists, citizens, policymakers, and businesses to develop solutions for societal challenges through collaborative research approaches.
Source: news.europawire.eu
